From 9th March, 15 HSE inspectors will be targeting at least 150 principal contractors in Birmingham and the Black Country to tackle poor health and safety standards in the region. In particular, inspectors will be looking at how contractors are managing:
* working at height safely;
* good order on site;
* the risks associated with exposure to asbestos.
The visits are in support of HSE's Shattered Lives and Hidden Killer campaigns and are part of a nationwide drive throughout March to inspect 1500 refurbishment sites across Great Britain.
The HSE has warned that contractors can once again expect strong enforcement action. Indeed, in the last two years, during similar inspection initiatives, HSE's Construction Inspectors carried out over 2,400 refurbishment site inspections nationally, resulting in enforcement action being taken on around 1 in 3 of the sites visited.
HSE's Principal Inspector of Construction for the West Midlands, Richard Lockwood said,
"We do know the construction industry is suffering in this economic downturn but it is important that contractors do not cut corners where the health and safety of their workers is concerned. They still need to get the basics right, such as keeping the site tidy and controlling risks from falling by providing a safe place to work.
Health risks are just as important. We will be concentrating on the management of asbestos and also of silica dust from cutting concrete. The consequences of getting it wrong with asbestos can be catastrophic. As well as the serious long term risks to health, the short term financial losses can also be considerable as there is no choice but to do a clean-up resulting in closure of the building and sometimes of the business as well. Surveys need to be done for asbestos and dust from cutting concrete must be suppressed."
He continued,
"As long as workers in the refurbishment sector continue to be injured and killed, we will continue to target the contractors who flout health and safety law and we will prosecute where necessary."
During the inspection initiative, HSE inspectors will be looking at whether:
* Jobs that involve working at height have been identified and properly planned to ensure that appropriate precautions are in place
* Equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and maintained and used properly
* Sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls
* Walkways and stairs are free from obstructions
* Work areas are clear of unnecessary materials and waste
* The risks associated with exposure to asbestos are managed correctly and carried out in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 where applicable
* The work force is made aware of risk control measures
More information is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives/construction/index.htm and http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm